Class of '23 graduates in sun-splashed ceremony

A class that weathered a slew of obstacles, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, was blessed with warm, sunny conditions and a clear view of snow-capped Mount Baker for La Conner High School's 129th annual commencement exercises Thursday evening at Whittaker Field.

That scenario of emerging from clouds of uncertainty into the bright sunshine of hope and optimism was emphasized in remarks by Class of 2023 Valedictorian Hadley Shears, among a handful of graduating seniors speaking at the well-attended ceremony.

"Our class," Shears forecast at one point, "is destined for great things."

Shears and the other class speakers expressed gratitude for the support received from family, friends, community members and school staff.

Recipient of two perpetual display honors, the Megan Lisser Service to School and Varsity in Volunteerism awards, Shears specifically thanked retiring school counselor Lori Buher for her guidance and counsel.

Shears, one of 10 National Honor Society members in the class, closed by quoting former first lady Michelle Obama and the "immortal" film character Ferris Bueller.

Bueller, reminded Shears, ended the movie that made him an 80s cult hero with his famous and enduring advice that "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Salutatorian Josie Harper, another NHS member, directed much of her address to younger brother, Roman, a La Conner elementary student. She expressed envy at his stage of life but urged him not to fear growing up and taking on new and added responsibilities.

"Getting older isn't that bad," she told Roman. "I'm not trying to scare you away."

In her own case, Harper said she has created lasting memories around school activities, athletics and public service.

"Growing up is inevitable," she said, "but how you grow up is up to you."

A poignant moment occurred when senior Jamie Damien-Sams offered a special remembrance honoring deceased classmate Kerriah Paul. When Damien-Sams, the class president, was overcome with emotion, staff member Theresa James read the remainder of her message.

Like Shears, Damien-Sams was acknowledged as a perpetual display award recipient, the JoAnne Self Determination and Loyalty Award.

Andrew Villard (Vince Sellen Community Service), Madoc Hiller (Kiwanis-Chuck Hedlund Community Service) and Finn Hakenson (Jack Whittaker Achievement) were the other perpetual display award choices.

Hakenson joined Shears, Harper, Raymond Bailey, Jr., Eleanor Drews, Isaias Gonzales-Rojas, Rachel Haley, Ellie Marble, Cole Medeiros and Kennedy Miller in receiving National Honor Society recognition from La Conner Middle and High School Principal Christine Tripp.

Superintendent Will Nelson formally presented the class and Buher called class members forward to receive their diplomas.

Each graduate enjoyed his or her personal cheer section, perhaps none louder than that enjoyed by student musician Ian McCormick.

"Rock and roll, Ian!" a voice yelled out as McCormick was handed his diploma.

Afterward, the Swinomish Canoe Family treated the class to an honor song, for which the audience stood.

"We're so honored to be invited to share our song with all the graduates of the Class of '23," Swinomish Tribal Senator and Cultural Events Director Aurelia Bailey said prior to the presentation. "We pray the next steps on their walk will be blessed and successful.

"We have prayers for everybody and those family members who couldn't be here," Bailey added, then noted the unique circumstances the class and staff overcame during the pandemic.

"Their lives have been something no one could've imagined," she said. "We thank this staff for its dedication and for taking care of these students."

Haley, the student body president, elaborated upon the singularity of the class's sojourn.

"This class is unique," she stressed. "Life has thrown us some curveballs with the pandemic and tragedies. But we've also had great triumphs. We've made our mark on this school."

The La Conner High volleyball team's run of state titles, a string that began in 2018 and was interrupted only by cancelation of the 2020 state tournament due to COVID-19 is an example she cited.

"Now," said Haley, "we're ready to kick-start our next phase of life."

But not before reflecting nostalgically on the past four years.

"I couldn't have asked for a better class," Haley insisted, "to have grown up with."